The owner of a factory in Durban has been arrested for forcing his staff to work overtime and even to sleep on the premises, despite the national lockdown to counter the spread of Covid-19.
Ming Lai He, a Chinese citizen, who owns the Chen Lu factory, was arrested on Sunday and appeared in court on Monday. He was granted R20 000 bail.
His business was registered as producing fragrances and was not classed as ‘essential’ with the right to remain in operation during the lockdown. It has apparently been producing facemasks which are in high demand in light of the pandemic.
He was charged with employing forced labour, failing to maintain a safe environment and failing to comply with the lockdown regulations. As a part of his bail conditions, he was prohibited from manufacturing essential goods unless he had the requisite licences.
The Consulate of the People’s Republic of China noted the arrest of one of its citizens. It called for his ‘legitimate rights and interests’ to be respected.
It further stated: ‘It is learned that the referred factory located in Glen Anil, Durban was specially set up to help KZN people’s fighting against the virus last week. The company, which has provided over 200 jobs in its other businesses across KZN and South Africa, commits itself to donating all facial masks to be manufactured in the factory during the lockdown period and none would be used for sale.’
It concluded: ‘A Friend in need is a friend indeed. Friends who have come to offer help to South Africans at this difficult time deserve due respect if not appreciation, should be well treated rather than disappointed, no matter they are from China or any other country.’